Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends Tour Of Melbourne

Melbourne, AU
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (177 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • inclusion
    Expert Tips - contact our expert team for any food, entertainment or other Melbourne recommendations
  • inclusion
    Map of Melbourne's best bars (free upon request)
  • inclusion
    Professional guide

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Alcoholic beverages
  • exclusion
    Gratuities

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at the edge of Princes Bridge, opposite Flinders Street Station, behind Transport Bar. Look out for the black shirt/hoody/jacket (depending on the weather) and our distinctive black, white and pink logo on the left breast.

Meeting point

Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 , Australia

End point

End Point

The end point of the tour will be around the east end of Bourke Street, depending on which bars we visit.

Meeting point

Level 1/45 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 , Australia

End point

What to expect

1
Fed Square

Melbourne's famous (and some say ugliest) town square, built in 2002. This is where we begin our journey with a background to the role alcohol played in Melbourne's foundation.

Duration 10 minutes
2

Oliver Ln

Our first laneway for the tour, here we talk about the history of Melbourne's Laneways and start to peel back some of the city's best eateries.

Duration 5 minutes
3

ACDC Lane

One of Melbourne's most famous laneways, get ready for an explosion of street art.

Duration 5 minutes
4

Duckboard Place

More street art to see, plus the history of Melbourne's street art scene - plus a run down of some fantastic eating and drinking locations.

Duration 5 minutes
5

Ridgway Pl

Home to one of Australia's oldest men's social clubs, and the consulate of one of the world's smallest countries, here we talk about Melbourne' booziest police commissioner and the strange persecution of barmaids.

Duration 5 minutes
6

Meyers Pl

The spiritual home of Melbourne's laneway bar culture. Let's talk about the rise of Melbourne's bar scene starting with an important rule change in the 1980s. Also home to some of the City's best hidden bars.

Duration 5 minutes
7

Parliament House

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Victoria was founded on gold rush, and our emergence as a state is closely linked to those early findings.

Duration 5 minutes
8

Chinatown Melbourne

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The world's second oldest China Town and home to some of the City's best bars.

Duration 5 minutes
9

Melbourne

The City's old red light district certainly hides more than its fair share of secrets, and amazing bars!

Duration 5 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Dress code is casual!
  • Additional information
    Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
  • Additional information
    Minimum age is 18 years
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Additional information
    While the tour route is flat, some of our bars may require steps (we choose different bars for each tour, and while some are at ground level, others require steps to acces)
Provided by Drinking History Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Check out nearby cafes in Fed Square
  • icon
    Visit the famous Hosier Lane for street art
  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking
  • icon
    Explore China Town for dinner later
  • icon
    Take public transport to the meeting point

More About this Experience

Introduction

Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends of Melbourne offers a unique and immersive experience that takes you on a journey through Melbourne's famous laneways, revealing the city's fascinating history and introducing you to its coolest bars. In just three hours, you can uncover the hidden gems and secret spots that most tourists and even some locals never get to see.

What to expect?

During the tour, you can expect to explore Melbourne's renowned laneways, adorned with incredible street art and home to some of the city's best eateries. As you delve deeper into the laneways, you'll uncover the intriguing stories of Melbourne's love affair with drinking and its booziest Police Commissioner. Enjoy a captivating narrative that delves into the persecution of barmaids and the secret men's clubs that once thrived in the city.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for curious travelers who want to experience the hidden side of Melbourne. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of unique bar culture, or simply someone seeking unconventional experiences, Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends of Melbourne caters to a wide range of interests. This tour is inclusive and welcomes anyone who wants to explore the city's vibrant laneway scene and indulge in its rich history.

Why book this?

Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends of Melbourne offers a seamless blend of history, culture, and nightlife. This tour combines the best of Melbourne in just three hours, allowing you to make the most of your time in the city. With an experienced guide leading the way, you'll gain insider knowledge and fascinating insights into Melbourne's laneways and the significance of its hidden bars. Whether you're a history buff or a connoisseur of hidden gems, this tour promises a unique and memorable experience.

Good to know

The total duration of the tour is 180 minutes. The meeting point is at the edge of Princes Bridge, opposite Flinders Street Station, behind Transport Bar. Look out for the guide wearing a black shirt/hoody/jacket and the distinctive black, white, and pink logo. Throughout the tour, you'll visit three amazing laneway bars. Photos of your tour can also be provided at no extra charge. The end point of the tour will be around the east end of Bourke Street, depending on which bars you visit.

Reviews

Previous participants have raved about the Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends of Melbourne tour. They appreciated the knowledgeable guides who brought the city's history to life and enjoyed exploring hidden gems they wouldn't have discovered on their own. The tour was praised for its perfect balance of history, street art, and bar culture, making it a truly memorable experience. Participants felt that this tour offered a unique perspective on Melbourne and left them with a deeper appreciation for the city's vibrant laneway scene.

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